Haunted Downtown kicks off

Thursday

Oct 17, 2013 at 12:01 AMOct 17, 2013 at 5:39 PM

Those looking for a leisurely, evening stroll along Sturgeon City Park between Oct. 17 and Oct 19 will be in for a frightening surprise as Haunted Downtown takes it seasonal festivities out of doors for the first time.

CHRISTOPHER THOMAS Daily News Staff

Those looking for a leisurely, evening stroll along Sturgeon City Park between Oct. 17 and Oct 19 will be in for a frightening surprise as Haunted Downtown takes it seasonal festivities out of doors for the first time.

The event, now in its third year, was put together by a staff of 100 volunteers, with Renee Worthington (owner of Courthouse Café) leading the way. The event’s actors, made up mostly of high school students, will be providing the scares all weekend long.

“They’re hyped up,” Worthington said. “These high school students are so talented.”

In total, Worthington said more than 100 volunteers will make Haunted Downtown possible, contributing everything from props to meals for hungry teenagers after rehearsals.

Along with the Haunted Trail, there will be a Family Night event Oct. 19 at Kerr Street Park, featuring a screening on the 2008 animated film “Igor.” The event will also include trunk or treating, games, prizes and storytellers. All the activities at Family Night are free of charge. Worthington said she wanted to bring those activities to local residents for a fraction of the price.

“I hear of people going all the way up to Virginia or Ashville to go to a haunted house,” said Worthington. “Then, when they get there, they have to pay $25 dollars to go in. We’re trying to provide something inexpensive for families around the area.”

As was the case in years past, all the proceeds from the event will go to a charity cause. In years past, the money made went to the USO and Sturgeon City. This year’s, the Onslow Women’s Center will be the recipient of the money collected at the beginning of the haunted trail. Worthington said it’s her intention to pick a different cause for which to raise money every year, but felt it was important to highlight the women’s shelter during the month of October, which is Domestic Abuse Awareness month. Haunted Downtown hopes to raise $10,000 for the Center.

Worthington also said it’s her hope Haunted Downtown will highlight the downtown district, where her business can be found.

“We want people to know downtown is alive and doing things,” said Worthington.

Worthington said this will be an event for everyone in the community and though the monetary cost of the event won’t be high, you may not leave the trail all there.

“This is an event that won’t cost an arm and a leg,” said Worthington. “Or will it?”